Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly - one or two serves weekly - may reduce the risk of diseases ranging from childhood asthma to prostate cancer.

Selected research findings include:

Brain and eyes: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the back of the eye).

Cardiovascular disease: Eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting "good" cholesterol.

Dementia: Elderly people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Depression: People who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain).

Diabetes: Fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

(China Daily 01/02/2008 page19)